Tag Rugby: The tournament was to be decided on a league format with all teams to play each other.

On a warm and sunny Friday morning, all Southport Primary Schools were invited to send a squad of 12 children to participate for a prestigious trophy.

In its second season of this format, created and organised by Mike Smethurst at Stanley High School (the first won by Farnborough Road) the games commenced.

The squads consisted of Year 3 and Year 4 children, girls and boys both new to rugby or experienced alike, with at least two girls on the pitch for each team of eight at any one time, playing standard U8 tag rules.

The tournament was to be decided on a league format with all teams to play each other.

The first games included matches between St Phillips and Churchtown on Pitch 1, with St Johns v Our Lady of Lords on Pitch 2, with the second creating the first draw of the competition, showing the closeness of the standard and levels on show.

What was nice to see was the number of parents who turned up to cheer on their children, which was boosted by the fantastic effort put in by the Teachers and Teaching Assistants.

As a coach at SRFC it is very normal to see parents passionate and enthusiastic on the touchline regarding the children’s play, however it was a completely new experience to see the same determination on the teachers’ faces and also in their voices, to show that all wanted to enjoy the experience.

None was more evident of this that Mrs Allen from St Johns, who’s passion, passed direct to the children who excelled in this tournament - hats off (and ear muffs on) to you Mrs Allen.

Regardless of who scored both parents and teachers cheered, which shows that even in the heat of battle, where passions run highest, the disciplines of Rugby can be upheld.

Back to the games, Kew Woods opened their account against Norwood in a very close game with Jake showing excellent skills from his SRFC training.

Not to be outdone Emma and Billy had fantastic tournaments scoring many tries to go into their game against St Phillips with both boasting a 100% record.

The game of the tournament saw St Phillips narrowly beating Kew Woods 6-5, down to some fantastic skills and finishing.

St Phillips relied upon a very strong backbone of SRFC players, with Ed, Molly and Dino representing Southport at U9; Charlie and Lewis at U8.

Regardless of this backbone it was fantastic to see Toby, Riley, Jack, Aimee & Ella, whilst not veterans of the game, play with a flair and passion that saw St Phillips home.

Whilst this game may have been the battle of the 100% teams, the rest of the tournament was so close that there was 4 draws, with the majority of the games being decided by the odd try.

Special congratulations must go to Norwood, who attended last year, but excelled this by finishing joint 3rd with St Johns.

As described earlier, the effort put in by all the teachers was immense, however Norwood’s (Difficult for me to say as they are the local rivals - ahem Ormskirk Ladies player) teacher had put them through their paces to show massive improvement.

Even though this was a school competition, the standard was excellent, wether that be attacking prowess, superb support play or determined defence that would grace any club competition.

The main aim for myself, Ian Smith (SRFC official) or RFU representative Martin Powell, is that all the children leave with a smile on their faces having enjoyed themselves, please ask them however it looked like it was definitely achieved.

Kew Woods finished a credible second, losing only one game with Billy Tootle the coaches vote for best none rugby playing man of the match.

Our Lady of Lords and Churchtown will have taken home some incredible memories for their fantastic play, all finishing with points on the board - well done.

With every competition their must be a winner - with this one it was St Phillips, who were rightly crowned champions. Boasting a 100% record to the delight of teacher/coach Mr Hurst and Headmaster Mr Johnson, whom are leaving the school at the end of this academic year, have a nice, last trophy in the cabinet. Player of the tournament was Molly Allen, Top Try Scorer Charlie Hignett with 13.

The Editor

Andrew Brown

Andrew Brown is the editor of the Southport Visiter, Midweek Visiter, Formby Times, Ormskirk Advertiser, Skelmersdale Advertiser, and the Crosby Herald. Andrew was born and bred in Southport - a true Sandgrounder. Andrew was one of the founders of Southport's Charity Fun Fest.